The Lost Whale
by Hannah Gold
HarperCollins Children's Books 2022
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- animal conservation
- family and healing
- friendship
- courage
- grief and mental health
- connection to nature
- self-discovery
- hope
About this book
Rio is sent from the UK to stay with his grandmother on the California coast while his mum gets the help she needs. There, he discovers the world of whale watching and forms a powerful bond with a migrating gray whale. When the whale disappears, Rio and new friends set out to find it, learning about ocean conservation and their own resilience along the way. A heartfelt, hopeful adventure perfect for animal lovers and readers who enjoy nature-forward stories.
Setting: contemporary California coast and the Pacific Ocean
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lost Whale right for my child?
Yes — The Lost Whale is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include animal conservation, family and healing, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Lost Whale?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Lost Whale takes around 6.8h to finish. The book has 67,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Lost Whale have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Lost Whale has an AR quiz available, worth 10 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Lost Whale?
The Lost Whale has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.